Repair Window 101 It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must work with care. The first step is to put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from slicing you while you work.
An easy solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are working properly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from dust, water bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the elements.
If the crack is large or is getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and can progress to complete breaks.
A more serious, but feasible crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
If you're looking to take further than tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it may be time to start a windows repair project. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.
It's best to call a professional if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.
If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal will get worn out and let water into your home.
Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of leaks. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.
First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.
If you have an issue that is more serious, such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both style and size.
Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a sign that you need to contact a professional. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.
The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.
After you've removed your sash, it's important to be sure to examine its metal tabs against the ones on your new sash. If they're different, it can be difficult to place the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash functions. window repair near me can be corrected by placing the tabs at their proper places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any damage or decay. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.